Meet Stephanie Rackard | Minister | Chef | CEO & Founder of Divinely Inspired Resources

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Rackard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been a corporate-minded person, having worked for a major Fortune 100 company – Tyson Foods World Headquarters – for approximately 16 years as a Director of Human Resources. While I was a co-founder of a nonprofit Food Program in Springdale, AR, it was not my idea to initiate it, though it fed so heavily into my love of cooking and helping the community. Help the community we did as we provided, at the height of operations, more than 1600 meals a day to children! However, after relocating back to Georgia post a divorce, it was truly a very difficult time, where I was refiguring out who I was in that season of my life and I was not doing a very good job of it! In 2016, One of my Senior Pastors at Divine Visitation International Church & Ministries, Apostle Noble Ibe, ministered about using what God put in your hands. He encouraged members to go home and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in starting our own business. I began to realize how important legacy was; that it was to not waste the gifts God has given to us and that they are to be used to edify the body of Christ, bless His people – and me too! I did just that and God gave me inspiration to start Divinely Inspired Resources – a multifaceted organization that capitalizes on my gifts and passions by offering: – Human Resources, Employment and EEO Consulting services, concentrated EEO/HR training and investigation services to businesses.
– Catering, Décor and Design services to clientele seeking inspired intimate and quaint “in-home” or small offsite gatherings. With a passion for American-inspired food and a flair for creativity, Divinely Inspired seeks to creatively connect our passion for food and design ambience with your desired vision to elevate, capture and celebrate the essence of common everyday life moments!
– A faith-based non-profit 501c3 (in process) organization that provides career and entrepreneurial guidance, Proverbial life skills training and spiritually empowering resources to young girls and women that supports them in their current and future roles as wives, mothers, professionals, entrepreneurs and compassionate community leaders.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Everything about my business are my passions – Human Resources, Cooking and nonprofit work for women and young girls. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Human Resources Management. With more than 23 years of HR experience with specialized expertise in Equal Employment Opportunity where I responded to charges of discrimination and mediated cases with the U.S. EEOC Commission, this served as the foundation for the HR component of the business.

As for the Catering, Design and Decor component of the business, I love cooking. I love designing tables and events. Food is love to me and I enjoy feeding people! I started cooking at age 11 for my family and have never stopped. There is something about the fellowship of food that brings joy! We had the awesome opportunity to take Divinely Inspired Catering, Design and Decor to Nigeria in 2018 through a collaborative partner relationship. It was wonderful to present on food presentation in an international setting and to sample Nigerian cuisine, a lot of which I have incorporated in our menu – thanks to my spiritual mother, Dr. Joy Ibe – that traditionally emphasizes American food with a twist.

Of course the nonprofit is my heart’s desire to give back to the community and help women and young girls become who God has called them to be. I was a single mother with a young child trying to make life work; I encountered divorce, abuse, loss of identity, fear but that is not where I remained. Helping women get over those humps and come out stronger and better through building up oneself is priceless. Divinely Inspired is just that – Divinely Inspired. Through the nonprofit, we provide grants and scholarships to help women register their businesses in Georgia and help young student entrepreneurs to expand their business footprint. We do cooking classes and sessions on what it takes to be successful in business. Additionally, we provide a Divinely Diversified platform, with participation and support from our Divinely Inspired Network, to highlight women in business. I put my heart in what I do. I aim to please but prefer to overachieve!

My career has presented me with challenging work environments that afforded me with a level of growth that many do not see in a siloed corporate environment. Having your own business places you in a position where you are exposed to areas beyond the functional expertise that prompt you to think more holistically about the work, strategy and nature of what you do. My life’s journey thus far has made me rugged to withstand pressures. I encountered joblessness, homelessness, loss of family and friends during the process – but the key is to keep pressing and keep the faith! The truth is, for me, its not my skill set that will take me where I am going, its faith in God.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First and foremost, I love entertaining via Divinely Inspired Resources Catering, Design and Decor! Those close to me, I know pretty well and I always identify a tantalizing menu to whet appetites and palates. I am the one who plans Thanksgiving months in advance! Since most of the people close to me know and understand my life, they expect to go to my church at Divine Visitation International Church. I am a minister, a worshipper and singer – have been singing since the age of 7 – so those in my life expect cooking, singing and serving! I like to spend time sourcing ingredients, decor and design ideas for my business. From the Farmer’s Market to Antiques and everything in between. Regardless of the time, it must be purposeful and impactful for God and the business and work He has given me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jesus Christ, My Lord and Savior – Without Him, I would never have ventured upon this entrepreneurial journey. Through trials and tribulations, God used my Senior Pastors at Divine Visitation International Church & Ministries – Apostle Dr. Joy Ibe, Pastor Christopher Ibe and Apostle Noble Ibe. – when I was homeless, penniless and jobless, without family – to re-build me the right way. I have never encountered such men and women of God who live out the love of Christ as they do.

Through it all I thank God for Jesus Christ – He kept me, saved me, and brought me to a place mentally, physically and spiritually where I could endeavor such a leap of faith!

Website: www.divinelyinspiredresources.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/Diresources

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-watson-rackard-1123a827/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DIRorganization

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI68ToIlS3CC8VVwx59oWYg (personal page)